By BMW Sauber F1
May 8 2009

In the first practice session for the Spanish Grand Prix, the BMW Sauber F1 Team drivers successfully began their preparations for the remainder of the weekend. Robert Kubica secured third position, with Nick Heidfeld finishing fourth. The first session of the Spanish GP weekend was held in sunny but cool conditions, with temperatures reaching a maximum of around 23° C. For the BMW Sauber F1 Team, these conditions were perfect for testing its new aero package and beginning its set-up programme. As the Munich and Hinwil based squad wants to fully focus on these tasks in Spain, it has opted to contest the Spanish GP without KERS.

In the Friday morning session, Robert had to carry out the majority of the scheduled preparation programme as Nick was hampered by a brake problem and lost around 45 minutes before the issue was fixed.

Therefore, the Pole completed a total of 24 laps while Nick had to make do with lapping the "Circuit de Catalunya" 14 times. Nonetheless, both drivers improved consistently and in the closing stages they demonstrated that the enhanced BMW Sauber F1.09's competitiveness appears to have improved.

Robert was the first of the pairing to go out for his fourth and final stint and on his 22nd lap he crossed the line in 1:22.221 minutes to secure third position on the time sheets, 0.422 seconds behind the pace-setter, Brawn GP's Jenson Button (1:21.799 minutes). One minute later, Nick also went out for a short final stint - his third - and finished fourth, with his personal best time of 1:22.658 minutes.

In the second 90-minute practice session, starting at 14:00hrs CEST (13:00hrs BST), the BMW Sauber F1 Team will continue its preparation work for the remainder of the weekend.